DALES based Upper Wharfedale Arts and Literature Society (UWALS) is celebrating being back in business following the lifting of coronavirus restrictions.

A wide range of activities has been announced including its Arncliffe-based community choir, ‘The Funk Wire’, and several popular entertainments re-arranged for the run-up to Christmas.

First up, on November 4 at Kettlewell Village Hall, is a blend of fashion history, Agatha Christie and cream tea – Lucy Adlington’s History Wardrobe. The fashion presentation celebrates the life and times of the ‘Queen of Crime’, as characters from the 1920s are brought to life through readings and dazzling Art Deco dresses.

Fascinating insights into the period and Agatha Christie’s life will be served along with an old-fashioned cream tea, with an added twist of mystery.

As the festive season draws nearer, as well as promoting workshops in Christmas Calligraphy and wreath making, the Heritage Lottery-winning group is also hosting an evening of seasonal music by internationally renowned harpist and guitarist duet Maire Ni Chathasaigh and Chris Newman, all taking place at Conistone with Kilnsey Village Hall.

Meanwhile the around 35 regular members of Funk Wire have already begun singing together for the first time since March 2020 and are looking forward to their annual Christmas singalong.

UWALS secretary Geraldine Norman, said: “After the anxiety and isolation of the past 18 months, there is clearly a real appetite in the area for the arts in general and the social contact these events generate.”

Full details and booking information for all UWALS events are available via the group’s website:www.uwals.co.uk or email uwalsociety@gmail.com.